Some may recall the story I’ve told here of being in the Colorado Rockies this summer and overhearing a white teenager greet another white teenager, saying “How’s my Nigga?” Of course I was stunned for all the reasons you’d think.

Now comes a fax from the supervisor of a local town. He wanted me to know that he’d just directed that a park in his town not be used for a party that was promoted on myspace. Here’s what was said about the planned party:“Sorry to all ma nigga dat wuz ready 2 getz it in buh um the party been cancelled simply because the sheriff shut us down b4 we got poppin ya dig! They got scared dat 2 many ppl wuz gon show up. Don’t get sad. Get glad. We jus gon set it up for another day so b lookin out 4 it aight!!

By the way, the lingo is supposed to be part of the new “ghetto fabulous” rave these days.What do you think?

We had a meeting this afternoon with Action for a Better Community. The topic: the high HIV infection rates in the black community. I didn’t hear much I hadn’t heard before. Black women, for example, make up 60 percent of new infections. Black men are not far behind. For whatever reason, the message isn’t getting through. People are still engaging in risky behavior. But the meeting did re-ignite a passion I have personally for HIV and STD prevention. As the ABC members pointed out, there seems to be too little outrage over this epidemic. ABC wants to create a community dialogue so that people will make more educated choices as well as break away from the stigma associated with the disease. And for those who want to think of HIV and AIDS as a disease for a “certain” type of person, they should think again. Heterosexual men are increasingly behind the high number of infections in women. And, the over 50 crowd is seeing increased rates, as well. How we as a people think of this disease and the misconceptions many of us have around sexual activity must change.

From time to time I like to post interesting letters, which won’t be in the print product, on our blog. Sometimes I take people to task, questioning their logic and/or motives. The following letter, in which the author seems to be blowing off some steam, speaks for itself. It also speaks to just how polarized our partisan society has become. It may be fueling road rage:

Subj: Above the law

It seems, after driving in Monroe County and observing, that women, inBMWs‘ are above the speed limit laws, obeying traffic signals and cell phoneuse, are agressive while driving, and never seem to find their directionalsignal switch. There are a lot of them. They are probably also registeredDemocrats as well.

On this day in 1938 Orson Welles played a great hoax on America with his radio broadcast of H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds.” Millions of Americans took it seriously when the show proclaimed that our world was at war with Mars. I listened to the entire first part this afternoon(here) and all the while I kept thinking about the real state of our world, all the various “wars” we wage, such as:

the war on poverty

the war on drugs

the war on terror

“War” is a term we use too lightly. “War” is a thing we partake in too often. To reverse the sentence and the sentiment, I submit that ours is a world of wars, some more real and more devastating than others.

Welles played the joke on us back then. Who is playing the joke on us now?

Government is the millipede that spends its day stepping on its own toes. Take for instance the state constitutional amendment that will appear on next week’s ballot. Didn’t know about that one? Neither did I, and the reason is that the Adirondack Park Council, the not-for-profit watchdog group for everything Adirondack-related, is prohibited under state lobbying law from advocating for such things as ballot amendments. The law is meant to keep the big special interests from using a non-profit cover to get their way. But because the law has no wiggle room, the council can’t tell the voters how to deal with this amendment. It’s really a small-potatoes thing dealing with water supplies to a town in the constitutionally-protected forest preserve. Voters should mark yes. But of greater import is that no one knows about this thing, and that agency best equipped to tell us can’t.

I have one thing to say about the World Serious just concluded: ZZZZZ. Not that the games were a snore especially, but more that they started so late and went on so long that I couldn’t stay up to watch them. By the sixth inning I had to make a decision: stay with the game or be a sleep-deprived zombie in the morning. If the Yankees had been in it, I would have chosen zombie. Red Sox and Rockies? ZZZZ. The lords of baseball and the princes of network TV have to look hard at the ratings this year (down) and realize that they do not square with the popularity of the sport (record ballpark attendance this year). Start these games at 6:30 and have a couple of good old-fashioned Saturday afternoon games. Yeah, go up against college football. Believe in yourself, baseball, and more than that, believe in the kids, many of whom have never seen a World Series game to its conclusion.

The Boston Red Sox won The World Series tonight, their seventh title overall. As I was watching the team, my team that I have adored for years and years, it occurred to me that this game is more than a baseball game. It is about true grit. There was a little something for everyone.

Tonight’s winning pitcher (Lester) and World Series MVP (Lowell) are both cancer survivors. Rookies Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia were key players who kept cool even though they were young and inexperienced. Older players like Curt Schilling showed that age is an asset in postseason pitching. The Red Sox also have several international players from Japan and the Dominican Republic. Overcoming health issues, the benefits of youth and consequently age, and international cooperation, well, it’s all good.

This team of rugged individualists just never gives up. It is America’s team. I know it’s sappy but I just feel that baseball is a great metaphor for a lot of the good things in life.

I do not envy what the Democrat and Chronicle had to do by endorsing incumbent Maggie Brooks for Monroe County Executive. It was a tough spot to be in. The failure of the Democrats to put forth a candidate largely led to this endorsement of Ms. Brooks in my opinion, which was largely based on her early job performance.

Alex asks what is the reasonable alternative. Good question. What good would come from endorsing no one? Would it contribute to voter apathy, lead to lower voter turnout, or would it be a wake-up call to Ms. Brooks to keep government open, to work harder to find budgetary solutions that do not hurt suburban schools, and to get back to working with the Democrats for the greater good of the county?

Table: Monroe County School Boards Association

Image: rochesterturning.com

Poster’s note: For clarification, the opinions expressed in this post reflect my personal views, they do not necessarily reflect the analysis that went into the full Editorial Board’s decision on this endorsement.

The Editorial Board published its endorsement of Maggie Brooks in today’s edition, and from the early responses on “Story Chat,” some are not particularly pleased.

To start with, what realistic alternative was there? In 9 days voters will walk into a voting booth and see two names under “County Executive.” Other than (perhaps) some members of his family, does anyone believe that Patrick Christopher is a better person to lead Monroe County than Maggie Brooks? Well, as voters we have to make a choice, and we can only choose between the candidates that have been offered to us by the parties. For those individuals – primarily Democrats – who are furious about not liking your choices, you have every right to be angry at the Democratic Party for not fielding a candidate. Yes, in some very extreme circumstances, newspapers can choose not to endorse anyone, but rationale people should be able to agree that this is not one of those extreme circumstance (very far from it).

In fact, just prior to the recent flap over the F.A.I.R. Plan, polls showed that the vast majority of Monroe County residents thought Brooks was doing a good or excellent job – and deservedly so. It is fair (no pun intended) to believe that the swift announcement and enactment of the F.A.I.R. Plan was not her best moment. However, it is also important to separate the process (which is important too, but less so) and the substantive issue underlying Brooks’ decision. There is much logic in accepting the sales tax intercept option, and Brooks needed to take additional steps to avoid having the county budget further stretched by Medicaid costs. Also, even for those who disagree with Brooks on this particular issue, she should still be judged on her full term, not just this one action. Overall, she has been a hardworking official who has been focused on the right things: trying to keep taxes low, spurring economic development and controlling Medicaid and other costs. On her 4-year record, Brooks deserves re-election, and would most likely be the best alternative for this county even if Democrats had fielded a candidate.

Poster’s note: For clarification, the opinions expressed in this post reflect my personal views, they do not necessarily reflect the analysis that went into the full Editorial Board’s decision on this endorsement.

With all the debate over what to do about illegal immigration in the U.S. I decided to delve into the history of this issue. (Click here) The History Channel had this headline today:

October 27, 1659

Quakers executed for religious beliefs

William Robinson and Marmaduke Stevenson, two Quakers who came from England in 1656 to escape religious persecution, are executed in the Massachusetts Bay Colony for their religious beliefs. The two had violated a law passed by the Massachusetts General Court the year before, banning Quakers from the colony under penalty of death.

Quakers were early advocates for women’s rights and they also fought against slavery, even having involvement in the Underground Railroad via Lucretia Mott. They also believed in religious freedom.

Isn’t it ironic that the founders of this country came to America for similar freedom purposes only to turn around and ban others from doing the same?

Illegal immigration is a serious issue that needs to be addressed thoughtfully. The underlying causes of illegal immigration might be a good place to start investigating. The majority of illegal immigrants come here to find work, indicating that the economy in their native land is failing.

I spoke with Alex Zapesochny, fellow community member of the Editorial Board, on this topic and he pointed out that he is a Russian immigrant and his family came to the U.S. through legal means. I pointed out to him that we likely see fewer illegal immigrants from places that do not border the U.S. because of the difficulty in doing so. If Russia bordered the U.S. like Mexico does then I think things would be different. I am not advocating for illegal immigration, far from it. What I am advocating for is an improvement in the immigration process. The current system is obviously failing.

I take it back! I’ll be glad, thrilled, estatic if the Red Sox win this World Series, just three years after their last win – which concluded an 86-year dry spell.I was worried last night that the BoSox would lose because I complained in my last blog post that all the drama is lost now that the team is winning.But I can root for a winner, I can. There’s drama in winning, I swear. Losing isn’t necessary. Drama is over-rated, anyway.Get used to it – I will, I have – the BoSox are winners! (Take that, Bambino!)(Oh no, now I’ve problably jinxed them.)

One of the persistent themes of editorial writers, one that crops up again and again at election time, is that the best way to solve problems is collaboration, the breaking down of partisan mistrust. It’s such an old prescription, one that is so seldom filled and so regularly ridiculed, that I come to doubt its potency myself. Maybe humans can’t work together for the common good. Perhaps ego is too strong. But then I think of Choco. He’s the family cat who has some sort of urinary tract infection and must be fed a pill every night for a month. Cats do not take such impostions lightly. At first, my daughter and I tried. Chaos. Blood was spilled. My wife and daughter tried. More chaos. More blood. The cat was winning. But we kept at it because, frankly, the alternative, an incontinent cat, was unacceptable. Finally, the three of us devised a scheme, each adopting a specific role, that worked. Choco’s defense began to weaken. We learned how to administer a pill and he’s learning how to take one. Thus the Choco Axiom. There are no bad cats, or inedible pills. Only owners lacking will.

A blogger in Chili posted this Select-a-candidate quiz from WQAD and I took it and found it to be helpful. Maybe you’d like to try it too. It took about one minute total. See if you really are in alignment with your registered party…and let me know if you were.

Max Anderson and I went to visit the Center for Teen Empowerment this afternoon. That’s the same group that put on the hip-hop conference Jim Lawrence blogged about recently. We got a chance to sit in on the group’s follow up to their conference discussion. One thing I found interesting was the way the teens described hip-hop today. As part of a warm up exercise, everyone had to come up with one word. Here’s the list:

I’m a Red Sox fan – just because I like drama. For 86 YEARS, the Sox wandered in the World Series desert, the team’s fortunes cursed by the “Bambino.” (The Sox had traded Babe Ruth to the Yankees.) Yes, the BoSox made it to the oasis – the World Series – four times – in ’86, ’75, ’67 and ’46 – but, alas and alack, lost.That is until 2004. They won! And the day after, a man walked into the Maine restaurant where my dad and I were eating breakfast wearing a Red Sox World Champions sweatshirt.Now the Red Sox might win again. So here’s the rub: Am I a fan just because the BoSox history is so fraught with high drama – a curse, 86 years of tragedy, and then euphoria? And if so, will the Red Sox be as interesting, as dramatic, if they win in 2004 and then again so soon in 2007?Don’t get me wrong. I’m certainly not wishing the Red Sox ill, certainly not for the sake of drama. I’m just wondering if it’s easier to root for an underdog, even a tiringly perpetual underdog, than a winner.

Editorial Board

I am a lifelong reader of the D&C, so I’m particularly honored to lend my voice to the Editorial Board. As a registered conservative and strong advocate of free market economics, it is likely that I will bring an alternate view to the discussion, so I applaud the D&C for asking me aboard.

My passion about economics and politics first emanated from our family dinner-table discussions growing up in Brighton, where no topic was off limits. After graduating from Brighton High School and then from Middlebury College as an economics major, I started my career with Case Hoyt, a once nationally recognized printing company based in Rochester. I relocated to Philadelphia, Washington and then Boston to attend Harvard Business School before happily moving back home just as my wife and I were starting a family.

I have actively engaged in various volunteer leadership roles at the Wilmot Cancer, St. Thomas More Church and now Rochester Prep Charter School and the Kilian Schmitt Foundation.

Personally, my wife, Caroline, and I have three grown children who have all left the area for college as well as to start their work careers.

I have lived in Rochester, both in the city and the suburbs, for most of my life. I have a degree from Roberts Wesleyan College in religion and philosophy, and I currently work for the Volunteers of America as a case manager for families who receive the Shelter Plus Care housing grant.

I live in the town of Chili with my husband and my sons, Gavin and Troy. Spending time with them is my favorite thing to do. My husband, Scott, owns a small sales and marketing company.

I love Rochester and am actively involved in the community. I serve on several boards and committees, including the Chili Parks and Recreation Committee. Recently I accepted the role of president of the Monroe County Republican Women (a non party-funded organization). Lastly, I am the director of The Bridge, a developing nonprofit that promotes sustainable homeless outreach efforts and organizes bipartisan discussions on issues related to poverty.

I am passionate about seeking out lasting solutions to poverty and bridging the political and cultural gaps. Find me on Twitter (@annaiseman), Facebook, or in future D&C discussions.

Board of Contributors

I manage an educational project for RIT, and teach as an adjunct professor at Nazareth College and the Warner School of Education. In an earlier life, I directed a modern dance company and worked as a teaching artist in schools. I hold a PhD in education with a focus on arts, curriculum and teaching. My areas of interest are education, politics and the arts. I plan to share perspectives on the current changes taking place in the field of education, and have a special interest in political art. I hope to stimulate good discussions in these areas through blogging and guest interviews.

My name is Makenzie Marino and I'm a 16-year-old junior at Our Lady of Mercy High School. I've been writing since I was 7. Writing is my passion; it's the way I express myself and my creativity. As a member of the board I hope to educate people in Rochester on events going on in our area and also bring to people's attention topics that maybe they'd look over otherwise. Also, I hope to learn things myself and be educated by other board members, and by visitors that will be showing up to the meetings. I hope to bring forth positive energy and educate people around me.

I was born and raised in central New York. I earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport, and now gladly call the Flower City home. I’m a married mother of three young children who keep me on my toes. I write a Blog, From Playgrounds to Politics, which often focuses on hot-button topics as well as about parenting, education, current events, political punditry and entertainment news. I have blogged for the Democrat and Chronicle for several years, focusing local issues and public schools. Follow me on Twitter @Mango1531. As a Board of Contributors member, I hope to write in no-holds-barred style about social topics within our community.

I’m a transplanted New Englander, who has resided with my family in Rochester’s 19th Ward for over 20 years. I left a career in book publishing when I moved from the Boston area, and then got my master’s in education at Nazareth College. I have taught in local schools and am currently an adjunct teacher at The Strong’s National Museum of Play. I write fiction and memoir, volunteer in my neighborhood library, love to travel, coordinate an Exploring Post in health careers, and am a staunch advocate for children.

I retired as Rochester’s commissioner of Community Development in 2009. I’m the co-founder of Eugenio María de Hostos Charter School and serve as the volunteer CEO/chairman of the board. I also serve on five other boards. I was president and CEO of Ibero-American action League from 1993 to 2006. From 1987 to 1990, I owned and operated a Super Duper in the city, and worked briefly as a Spanish teacher. I have a bachelor of science degree in social service administration from SUNY Empire State College and a master’s degree in education from The College at Brockport. I am the author of “Journey of Puerto Rican Jíbaro,” a memoir.

As a life-long resident of Rochester, I am honored and humbled to be selected for the Board of Contributors. It is my hope that through this forum, I will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue that will uplift, inspire and challenge others to contribute to the economic, social, emotional/mental and spiritual health needs of Monroe County’s neediest residents. It is disheartening to me that Rochester is one of the poorest cities in this nation. We all have a part in this universe to offer a hand up and not a hand out. I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we are blessed to share three awesome children.

I work as a shipping and receiving clerk in Rochester. I look forward to being on the Board of Contributors and taking part in discussions of issues facing Rochester in 2014. I intend to add a pragmatic, moderate voice and concentrate on solutions and successes. Beyond the liberal/conservative gridlock there are pragmatic solutions upon which a majority can agree. The moderate majority is not as vocal as extremists to the left and right and this makes moderates easy to ignore. I look forward to being part of the Democrat and Chronicle's effort to contribute to the quality of life in this community.

I grew up in the Rochester area, attended PS35, graduated from Brighton High School, then attended SUNY College at Geneseo and the University of Chicago and earned his PhD at Northwestern University. A lifelong educator, child advocate and bestselling author of books and articles on leadership, collaboration, and education reform, I’ve been a middle school teacher, high school coach, school board member, college professor, dean of education at four universities, distinguished visiting scholar, community-based and regional nonprofit executive, education advisor to Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, and associate superintendent of education for the State of Ohio. I currently am vice president for community programs at the Rochester Area Community Foundation.

As an active Community Member on the Democrat and Chronicle Editorial Board in 2013, and a division sales manager of a consumer company prior to that, I hope to stay involved with current events on the Board of Contributors, weighing in with my unique perspective on issues and headlines in 2014. A former United States Marine Corps Officer, and current retired "East Side Suburbanite," I feel that my "conservative-leaning" voice represents a part of the community that deserves to be heard.

I am a lay associate pastor at Spiritus Christi Church and a nurse of 28 years. In my role as associate pastor, I lead racial justice work, welcome new members and facilitate diversity within our ministeries. I am looking forward to being a board contributor so that I might engage in the conversations and topics this community most cares about to forge unity. It is my hope that, together, we join our visions and perspectives to examine what is, and lean in to shape ultimately what could be. If we do that I am hopeful that we will embody the "One City" Rochester mantra we all envision.

I am a third-year journalism and political science student at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Being a native of Rochester has carved within me a passion for urban life and a desire to fully understand the complexity of the many issues Rochesterians face. I care most about education, youth, race and poverty, and have blogged for the Democrat and Chronicle’s Unite Rochester initiative. I am very excited to be offering my voice through the Board of Contributors and I hope to spark some great conversations with the rest of my community.